Dona Herndon

D ona H erndon, age 89, of North Platte, passed away at Centennial Park Retirement Village on May 1, 2021.

Dona was born in the home of her grandparents, Ole and Myrtle Rasmussen, on October 19, 1931, to John and Olive (Rasmussen) Refior. She grew up in North Platte and graduated from high school in 1949.

On August 29, 1950, Dona was united in marriage to Robert Herndon in North Platte where they made their home. Donna began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone in 1953 and worked as an operator until retiring in 1981.

She was a member of First Christian Church and was active in various organizations including B.P.O. Does Drove #109, where she served as president in 1995 and 2005; Eagles Aeries Auxiliary #2839, where she was president from 2003 to 2006; Retired Telephone Ladies and Telephone Pioneers, where she had served as secretary since 1981.

Dona enjoyed gardening and canning her harvest, then sending it home with family and friends. She was a kind, giving person.

Dona was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, John and Olive Refior; brother, Bob Refior; sister, Joan Jones; niece, Donice Sheets; and nephews, Richard Refior and baby Refior.

She is survived by her daughter of the heart, Jodi (Bob) Kekahbah, of North Platte, and foster grandchildren, Meraenda and Robert Kekahbah; her sister-in-law, Jo Ellen Refior, of Colorado Springs, CO; and nieces and nephews, Janet Refior, Shirley Anderton, Donna Jones, Thomas (Janis) Refior, Lori Losee, Barbara Wilson, Michael (Marge) Jones, Kay James, Mary Sweeney, and Kathi McCall; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangments. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Fur the Love of Paws.